Boomers brawl: Provocative pre-game trip by Philippines player the trigger

VIDEO: An unnamed Boomers player has confirmed that forward Daniel Kickert, criticised as the instigator of an all-in brawl with the Philippines, was provoked in the pre-game warm-up.

Chris Goulding lies on the court as Daniel Kickert retaliates. Picture: AAP

• Australia v Philippines basketball game erupts into huge brawl
• What caused the most violent 60 seconds in Boomers history

IT’S approaching an hour-and-a-half after officials prematurely ended Australia’s World Cup qualifier against the Philippines following an ugly all-in brawl and the Boomers are still confined to the away dressing shed.

In one corner sits guard Chris Goulding nursing a bruised eye and numerous scratches after being pinned down and bashed by multiple Philippines players and staff.

Opposite Goulding, fellow guard Nathan Sobey is coping with concussion symptoms after a Philippine fan blindsided him with a chair.

Chris Goulding is buried under an avalanche of Filipino players and team officials.

Sobey also copped a punch to the head, so he is in no mood to smile let alone talk.

Amid the fear and frustration, players frantically contacted their family and friends to let them know they are fine.

These calls to loved ones prompted strong emotion from our bruised and battered Boomers, who were slowly coming to terms with their involvement in one of world sport’s worst brawls.

The players also felt grateful not to be seriously hurt, as chairs, forearms flowed freely in an ugly brawl.

Australian Boomer Nathan Sobey cops a chair to the head. Picture: Fox Sports

The Australian players are unable to speak on the record due to FIBA’s investigation, but one Boomer told the Telegraph the brawl sparked genuine distress within the ranks.

“It was deadset insane,” he said.

“We couldn’t believe what was going on. It was chaos.”

The player, who wished to remain anonymous, said the tension between the two teams started in the warm-up.

He confirmed a Filipino player tripped Daniel Kickert, prompting him to push back.

Both teams then had to be separated.

Chris Goulding lies on the court after being hit as Daniel Kickert retaliates. Picture: AAP

Kickert has copped criticism for sparking the all-in brawl during Monday’s World Cup qualifier against the Philippines with a stray elbow, but the tension between the two sides started before tip-off.

“They were standing in our half trying to cause trouble,” he said.

“Kicks asked them to move during lay-ups and they didn’t.

“Then when he came back around he kind of ushered them with, yes, a little, like ‘move’ push.

“And then the next time he ran back they tried to trip him and everyone came together.”

Australian players were also accused of racial abuse by Philippine fans.

This included “monkey” taunts, but the unnamed player strongly denied these claims.

“Nope, false. Nobody said anything like that from our group. That’s all complete lies.”

After almost two hours, the Boomers players finally left the arena in Manilla for the sanctuary of their hotel.

Only problem, the drama didn’t stop there.

Boomers management decided to switch hotels to avoid the backlash from fans.

“The Australian embassy played a major role,” the unnamed player said. “They were great.”

By the time the players moved to a new hotel, it was almost midnight in Manilla.

After one of the most intense nights in their careers, the players were mentally crushed.

With nothing left to give, the Boomers players and staff ordered room service together and talked about a basketball game they’ll never forget.

As the group nodded off, they were left with one message from coach Andrej Lemanis.

“I’m proud of the way we looked out for each other,” Lemanis declared.

“We did the right thing not clearing the benches and trying to be classy about it all.”

Sadly, the Boomers played their part in an embarrassing day for international basketball.

Lessons that will no doubt linger for some time to come.

Originally published as Boomers brawl: Provocative pre-game trip by Philippines player the trigger